From Concept to Culture: Trauma-Informed Practices in Tech and Beyond

Embodying Trauma-Informed Leadership in a Chaotic World

Welcome back to the Empathy by Design podcast blog. I’m Julie Johnson, your host, and I’m thrilled to share the insights from this incredibly meaningful episode. Together with Sarah O'Brien, Katie Kurtz, and our community manager, Fihmiya Hamdan. We dove deeply into trauma-informed leadership, the power of authenticity, and the delicate dance of navigating change in a fast-moving world. This conversation has left me inspired, and I hope it will do the same for you.

What Trauma-Informed Leadership Means to Me

Trauma-informed leadership isn’t just a framework; it’s a way of seeing people. It starts with the essential question: What happened to you? rather than What’s wrong with you? This shift in perspective builds safer, more trusting environments where everyone can thrive.

I shared how this approach has transformed the way I think about leadership, particularly in collaborative spaces. Sarah O'Brien brought such clarity to this idea, reminding us how authenticity must be at the heart of leadership. Without it, even the best intentions fall flat. When leaders align their actions with their company’s mission, they create a foundation of trust and safety for their teams.

Resilience Starts with the Nervous System

Katie Kurtz’s perspective on resilience really resonated with me. She reminded us all that resilience isn’t about pushing through or toughing it out. It’s about caring for our nervous systems so we can meet challenges with strength.

I’ve personally seen how practices like co-regulating with team members, taking a mindful walk in nature, or even getting lost in music can recharge our capacity to handle stress. And as Katie pointed out, it’s not just individuals who need this care. Organizations, especially trauma-informed ones, must support these practices to help their teams build resilience and stay connected to the bigger picture.

Technology Isn’t Always the Fix

We had a moment in this conversation where I almost laughed out loud because it hit so close to home. Technology, especially in mental health-focused startups, can sometimes try to fix everything — and instead just adds complexity.

I shared how important it is for tech teams to slow down and listen. Usability testing and feedback are everything. Without them, even the most brilliant innovation can backfire. When Katie brought up the link between trust and pace, it felt like a lightbulb moment. True transformation takes time, especially when you’re talking about building tools and spaces that people feel safe using.

Shaping Culture through Inclusion

If there’s one part of this discussion I’ll carry with me, it was our conversation about company culture. Trauma-informed leadership is about crafting cultures where people belong and feel valued. Both Sarah and Andia really drove this home for me, highlighting how so many organizations fail to meet the diverse needs of their teams.

We talked about transparency, consistency, and the power of inclusion. These aren’t buzzwords; they’re cornerstones. From my perspective, this starts with leaders committing to psychological safety. It’s about creating spaces where curiosity thrives, mistakes are seen as growth opportunities, and everyone feels they have a voice.

Looking Ahead

What excites me the most about this work is its potential. Here we are in 2025, with a world more interconnected than we could have imagined. Trauma-informed leadership offers a way to weave empathy, culture, and innovation together in a way that truly supports people.

I’m leaving this conversation with a renewed sense of purpose, and I hope you are, too. If you’re curious to learn more or want to join in on these discussions, check out our upcoming events and coffee shop meetup on our website . I’d love to hear your thoughts on trauma-informed leadership, what it means to you, and how you’re bringing it into your own world.

Thank you for walking alongside me on this journey. Don’t forget to subscribe to Empathy by Design, leave a review, and share this with anyone who needs it. Until next time, take care and keep leading with empathy.

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